U.S. patent application number 16/321094 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-06 for vehicle door opening/closing apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is U-Shin Ltd.. Invention is credited to Hideaki Nagata, Mikio Yamagata.
Application Number | 20190169901 16/321094 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61072833 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-06 |
![](/patent/app/20190169901/US20190169901A1-20190606-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190169901/US20190169901A1-20190606-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190169901/US20190169901A1-20190606-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190169901/US20190169901A1-20190606-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20190169901/US20190169901A1-20190606-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20190169901/US20190169901A1-20190606-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20190169901/US20190169901A1-20190606-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20190169901/US20190169901A1-20190606-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20190169901/US20190169901A1-20190606-D00008.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20190169901 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamagata; Mikio ; et
al. |
June 6, 2019 |
VEHICLE DOOR OPENING/CLOSING APPARATUS
Abstract
The present invention prevents or suppresses a grommet from
detaching from a ball socket. The grommet that has a cover for
covering a harness led and extended outside a cap of the ball
socket is configured by including a boot part that covers the
harness inside the cap and that is formed into a bottomed
cylindrical shape opened to an electric motor side, a connection
cylindrical part that is disposed inside a harness insertion hole
that connects the boot part and the cover and in which the harness
is inserted, and a falling-out prevention part that is formed in
the boot part that engages the cap and that restricts the movement
of the boot part toward the harness insertion hole side.
Inventors: |
Yamagata; Mikio; (Hiroshima,
JP) ; Nagata; Hideaki; (Hiroshima, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
U-Shin Ltd. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
61072833 |
Appl. No.: |
16/321094 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
July 25, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2017/026921 |
371 Date: |
January 28, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05F 1/04 20130101; B60J
5/10 20130101; E05F 3/16 20130101; B60J 5/101 20130101; E05F 15/622
20150115; E05Y 2900/546 20130101; E05Y 2900/532 20130101; E05C
17/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E05F 1/04 20060101
E05F001/04; E05F 3/16 20060101 E05F003/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 5, 2016 |
JP |
2016154282 |
Claims
1. A vehicle door opening/closing apparatus comprising: a tube
shaped first housing for housing an electric motor drive mechanism
inside; a second housing that is disposed coaxially with the first
housing, and that is moved in an axial direction relative to the
first housing by a spindle drive mechanism connected to the
electric motor drive mechanism; a ball socket that includes a cap
including a bottomed-tube shape for insertion into an opening on
one end side of the first housing to block off the opening, and the
ball socket also including a harness insertion hole formed in a
bottom portion of the cap to allow a harness connected to an
electric motor to be led out; and a grommet that includes a cover
portion extending outside the cap and covering the harness where it
has been led out of the cap, wherein the grommet includes a boot
portion formed in a bottomed-tube shape opening toward the electric
motor side and covering the harness inside the cap, a coupling tube
portion disposed inside the harness insertion hole so as to couple
the boot portion and the cover portion together, with the harness
inserted through the inside of the coupling tube portion, and a
detachment prevention section formed to the boot portion for
engaging with the cap to limit movement of the boot portion toward
the harness insertion hole side.
2. The vehicle door opening/closing apparatus of claim 1, wherein
the detachment prevention section includes: a retainer portion that
extends from an opening end portion of the boot portion toward a
radial direction outside so as to be disposed between an opening
end face of the cap and the electric motor; and a packing portion
that extends from a radial direction outside end portion of the
retainer portion toward a bottom wall side of the boot portion so
as to be sandwiched between the first housing and the cap.
3. The vehicle door opening/closing apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
the ball socket is configured from a resin colored so as to absorb
a laser; the first housing is configured from a resin colored so as
to allow the laser to pass through without absorbing the laser; and
a fitting portion where the ball socket and the first housing are
fitted together is bonded by laser welding around the entire
circumference of the fitting portion.
4. The vehicle door opening/closing apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
a motor retainer is disposed on the electric motor; and the
detachment prevention section is sandwiched between the motor
retainer and an opening end face of the cap.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle door
opening/closing apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] There are vehicle door opening/closing apparatuses having an
extendable and contractible shaft shape and including a support
member interposed between a body and a door of a vehicle so as to
enable the door to be retained in an open position. In such a
vehicle door opening/closing apparatus, each axial direction end
portion of the support member is normally coupled to the door or
the body so as to be capable of pivoting. The vehicle door can be
moved so as to open or close by the support member extending or
contracting while relatively pivoting about the pivot-coupling
points.
[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle door
opening/closing apparatus in which a support member includes an
electric motor to generate drive force electrically, a first
housing including a gear mechanism or the like to reduce the
revolution speed of the electric motor, a threaded spindle driven
by the motor, and a spindle nut screwed together with the threaded
spindle. The apparatus further includes a first guide pipe that is
moved in an axial direction by rotation of the threaded spindle,
and a second housing that is disposed coaxially with the first
guide pipe and that houses a second guide pipe in which a spring to
bias the first guide pipe in the axial direction is housed. The
second housing is structured so as to be capable of extending and
contracting with respect to the first housing.
[0004] A ring shaped packing is arranged in a vehicle door
opening/closing apparatus such as that described in Patent Document
1 in order to waterproof the motor side. A portion of the vehicle
door opening/closing apparatus where a harness connected to the
motor is led out sometimes has a structure covered by a grommet in
order to secure waterproofing. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG.
7, a tube shaped lead-out portion of a ball socket 94 is press
fitted into a leading end portion 92A of a grommet 92 covering a
harness H connected to a motor 90 an order to secure sealing
properties between the ball socket 94 and the grommet 92.
PATENT DOCUMENTS
[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2014-101637
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0006] However, in the structure illustrated in FIG. 7 described
above, the leading end portion 92A of the grommet 92 might detach
from the ball socket 94 if, for example, the grommet 92 is pulled
in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7 during an operation to
attach the vehicle door opening/closing apparatus to a vehicle.
[0007] In consideration of the above circumstances, the present
invention provides a vehicle door opening/closing apparatus capable
of preventing or suppressing a grommet from detaching from a ball
socket.
Solution to Problem
[0008] First Aspect: One or more exemplary embodiments of the
present invention provides a vehicle door opening/closing apparatus
including: a tube shaped first housing for housing an electric
motor drive mechanism inside; a second housing that is disposed
coaxially with the first housing, and that is moved in an axial
direction relative to the first housing by a spindle drive
mechanism connected to the electric motor drive mechanism; a ball
socket that includes a cap having a bottomed-tube shape for
insertion into an opening on one end side of the first housing to
block off the opening, and the ball socket also including a harness
insertion hole formed in a bottom portion of the cap to allow a
harness connected to an electric motor to be led out; and a grommet
that includes a cover portion extending outside the cap and
covering the harness where it has been led out of the cap, in which
the grommet includes a boot portion formed in a bottomed-tube shape
opening toward the electric motor side and covering the harness
inside the cap, a coupling tube portion disposed inside the harness
insertion hole so as to couple the boot portion and the cover
portion together, with the harness inserted through the inside of
the coupling tube portion, and a detachment prevention section
formed to the boot portion for engaging with the cap to limit
movement of the boot portion toward the harness insertion hole
side.
[0009] Second Aspect: One or more exemplary embodiments of the
present invention provides the vehicle door opening/closing
apparatus in which the detachment prevention section includes: a
retainer portion that extends from an opening end portion of the
boot portion toward a radial direction outside so as to be disposed
between an opening end face of the cap and the electric motor; and
a packing portion that extends from a radial direction outside end
portion of the retainer portion toward a bottom wall side of the
boot portion so as to be sandwiched between the first housing and
the cap.
[0010] Third Aspect: One or more exemplary embodiments of the
present invention provides the vehicle door opening/closing
apparatus in which the ball socket is configured from a resin
colored so as to absorb a laser; the first housing is configured
from a resin colored so as to allow the laser to pass through
without absorbing the laser; and a fitting portion where the ball
socket and the first housing are fitted together is bonded by laser
welding around the entire circumference of the fitting portion.
[0011] Fourth Aspect: One or more exemplary embodiments of the
present invention provides the vehicle door opening/closing
apparatus in which a motor retainer is disposed on the electric
motor; and the detachment prevention section is sandwiched between
the motor retainer and an opening end face of the cap.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0012] One or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention
exhibit an advantageous effect of being capable of preventing or
suppressing a grommet from detaching from a ball socket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a rear
door of a vehicle applied with a vehicle door opening/closing
apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment as viewed from the
vehicle rear side, illustrating a state in which the rear door has
been opened by operating the vehicle door opening/closing apparatus
to an extended position.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-section of the vehicle door
opening/closing apparatus in FIG. 1, illustrating a state in which
the vehicle door opening/closing apparatus is disposed at a
contracted position (initial position).
[0015] FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-section
illustrating the vicinity of a stopper in a state in which the
vehicle door opening/closing apparatus in FIG. 2 has been operated
to an extended position.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-section illustrating a state in which a
grommet illustrated in FIG. 2 has been detached from a first ball
socket.
[0017] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-section illustrating a state in
which the grommet and the first ball socket illustrated in FIG. 2
have been assembled to a main housing.
[0018] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the first ball socket
illustrated in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the
grommet illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram to explain a conventional
example.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Explanation follows regarding a vehicle door opening/closing
apparatus 1 (referred to hereafter simply as the "door
opening/closing apparatus 1") according to an exemplary embodiment,
with reference to the drawings.
Exemplary Embodiment
[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a rear door D is provided to a
rear end section of a vehicle V. An upper end portion of the rear
door D is coupled to a body B (a vehicle body) of the vehicle V so
as to be capable of pivoting, with an axial direction of the upper
end portion of the rear door D running along a vehicle width
direction. The rear door D is thereby configured capable of opening
and closing a door opening B1 of the vehicle V. The door
opening/closing apparatus 1 is formed as whole with a substantially
elongated circular column shape. One axial direction end portion (a
base end portion) of the door opening/closing apparatus 1 is
connected to the body B (more specifically, to a side portion on
the vehicle right side of the door opening B1) by a first inclined
connection portion 2, and another axial direction end portion (a
leading end portion) of the door opening/closing apparatus 1 is
connected to a right end portion on a vehicle cabin inner side of
the rear door D by a second inclined connection portion 3.
Operation of the door opening/closing apparatus 1 causes the rear
door D to open or close the door opening B1.
[0022] Vehicle Door Opening/Closing Apparatus Configuration
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the door opening/closing apparatus
1 is formed in a substantially elongated circular column shape
overall. The arrow AL1 side in FIG. 2 indicates one axial direction
side (a base end side) of the door opening/closing apparatus 1, and
the arrow AL2 side in FIG. 2 indicates another axial direction side
(a leading end side) of the door opening/closing apparatus 1.
[0024] The door opening/closing apparatus 1 includes a main housing
4 serving as a "first housing" configuring an outer casing of the
door opening/closing apparatus 1. The main housing 4 is made of
resin, and is formed in a substantially circular tube shape. A
first ball socket 2A, described later, is bonded to one axial
direction end portion of the main housing 4 by laser welding. The
main housing 4 is configured from a resin material colored so that
the laser used when laser welding the first bail socket 2A passes
through without being absorbed. Although in the explanation of the
present exemplary embodiment black is employed for coloration to
absorb the laser and not allow the laser to pass through, and a
color other than black is employed for coloration to allow the
laser to pass through without being absorbed, coloration is not
limited to the above, and may be modified according to the
wavelength of the laser.
[0025] The door opening/closing apparatus 1 also includes a spring
cover 29 serving as a "second housing". The spring cover 29 is
formed substantially in the shape of a bottomed circular tube open
toward the one axial direction side of the door opening/closing
apparatus 1. The diameter of the spring cover 29 is set smaller
than the diameter of the main housing 4, and the spring cover 29 is
disposed coaxially with the main housing 4 and housed inside the
main housing 4 so as to be capable of moving relative to the main
housing 4. Note that the housed state of the spring cover 29
illustrated in FIG. 2 is the initial state of the door
opening/closing apparatus 1, and in the following explanation, the
position of the door opening/closing apparatus 1 when in this state
is referred to as the "contracted position (initial position)". The
spring cover 29 moves along the axial direction relative to the
main housing 4 when the door opening/closing apparatus 1 is
operated such that the door opening/closing apparatus 1 (i.e. the
total length direction length thereof) is extended or
contracted.
[0026] The one axial direction end portion of the main housing 4 is
provided with the resin first ball socket 2A, serving as a "ball
socket" and configuring part of the first inclined connection
portion 2, mentioned above. The first ball socket 2A is fixed to
the one axial direction end portion of the main housing 4. The one
axial direction end portion of the main housing 4 is thereby
coupled to the body B through the first ball socket 2A. Namely, the
first ball socket 2A fits together with a spherical fitting portion
(for example the spherical head of a bail stud), not illustrated in
the drawings, provided on the body B side so as to configure a
pivot point of a pivot coupling. Configuration of the first ball
socket 2A will be described later.
[0027] A resin second ball socket 3A is provided on the other axial
direction side of the spring cover 29. The second ball socket 3A
configures part of the second inclined connection portion 3
mentioned above. A ball socket push rod 30 is integrally formed to
the second bail socket 3A by insert molding. The ball socket push
rod 30 passes through another axial direction end portion (a
leading end portion) of the spring cover 29, and is fixed by
swaging to a push rod 25, described later. Moreover, the second
ball socket 3A is coupled to the other axial direction end portion
(the leading end portion) of the spring cover 29 so as to be
incapable of moving relative thereto due to biasing force of an
assist spring 26, described later. The push rod 25, described
later, and the other axial direction end portion of the spring
cover 29 are thereby coupled to the rear door D through the second
ball socket 3A.
[0028] An internal wall 4A that partitions an internal space of the
main housing 4 in the axial direction is integrally provided on the
one axial direction side inside the main housing 4. The internal
wall 4A is formed with a plate thickness direction along the axial
direction of the main housing 4. An electric motor drive mechanism
6 is housed inside the main housing 4 in an internal space on the
one axial direction side of the internal wall 4A. The electric
motor drive mechanism 6 is configured including an electric motor 8
(an element which may be understood to be a more broadly defined
"drive section") and a transmission mechanism 9.
[0029] The electric motor 8 includes a substantially circular
column shaped motor body 8A. The motor body 8A is disposed
coaxially with the main housing 4. A motor retainer 10 is mounted
to one axial direction end portion of the motor body 8A, such that
a motor terminal (not illustrated in the drawings) of the electric
motor 8 is retained by the motor retainer 10. The electric motor 8
is housed inside the main housing 4 in a state in which rattling of
the motor body 8A in a radial direction is suppressed by the motor
retainer 10. Moreover, a boot portion 44 of a grommet 40 is
provided on the one axial direction side of the motor retainer 10.
Explanation regarding configuration of the grommet 40 will be given
later.
[0030] A rotation shaft 8B of the electric motor 8 projects toward
the other axial direction side with respect to the motor body 8A.
The transmission mechanism 9 is coupled to the rotation shaft 8B in
order to transmit rotation force of the electric motor 8 to a
threaded spindle 12, described later. The transmission mechanism 9
includes a gearbox configured with a gear mechanism, an oscillating
mechanism to prevent noise, and the like. Note that the
transmission mechanism 9, the electric motor 8, the motor retainer
10, and the boot portion 44 are housed in the main housing 4 so as
not to rattle in the axial direction of the main housing 4 due to
the presence of the internal wall 4A and the first ball socket 2A
as described above.
[0031] The spring cover 29 described above and a spindle drive
mechanism 11 are housed in the main housing 4, inside a space on
the other axial direction side of the internal wall 4A. The spindle
drive mechanism 11 is configured including the threaded spindle 12,
a push-rod nut 13, a push-rod guide 19, a spindle rotor 23, and the
push rod 25.
[0032] The threaded spindle 12 is configured by a metal material
(for example, a steel material), and is formed in a substantially
elongated circular rod shape with its length direction running in
the axial direction of the main housing 4. The threaded spindle 12
is disposed coaxially with the main housing 4. One axial direction
side portion of the threaded spindle 12 is fixed to an inside
portion of a ball bearing 14 by swaging, and is rotatably supported
by the ball bearing 14. The ball bearing 14 is disposed adjacent to
the internal wall 4A of the main housing 4 so as to be on the other
axial direction side thereof, and is fixed to the main housing 4.
Moreover, one axial direction end portion of the threaded spindle
12 is coupled to the transmission mechanism 9 of the electric motor
drive mechanism 6 described above. Accordingly, the threaded
spindle 12 is rotated toward one side or the other side about its
own axis by operation of the electric motor 8 (forward rotation or
reverse rotation of the rotation shaft 8B). Moreover, as
illustrated in FIG. 3, a male threaded portion 12A is configured by
an outer circumferential portion of a length direction intermediate
portion of the threaded spindle 12 (specifically, by a portion of
the threaded spindle 12 excluding the one axial direction end
portion (a base end portion) and another axial direction end
portion (a leading end portion) thereof). A thread is formed on the
male threaded portion 12A. Accordingly, a "leading end portion of
the threaded spindle 12" of the present exemplary embodiment refers
to a portion on a leading end side portion of the threaded spindle
12 where the male threaded portion 12A is not formed.
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the push rod 25 is
formed in a circular pipe shape, and is disposed coaxially with the
spring cover 29. Moreover, the diameter of the push rod 25 is set
smaller than the diameter of the spring cover 29, and set larger
than the diameter of the threaded spindle 12. Namely, the push rod
25 is housed inside the spring cover 29, and the threaded spindle
12 is housed inside the push rod 25. Note that the ball socket push
rod 30 is fixed to another axial direction end portion of the push
rod 25 by swaging as described above, such that the push rod 25 and
the spring cover 29 move together as a unit.
[0034] The push-rod nut 13 is configured from a resin material, and
is integrally formed to one axial direction end portion of the push
rod 25 by insert molding. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3,
the push-rod nut 13 is configured including a nut inner portion 13A
integrally formed to an inner circumferential face of the push rod
25 and provided at a radial direction inside of the push rod 25,
and a nut outer portion 13B that is integrally formed to an outer
circumferential face of the push rod 25 and provided at a radial
direction outside of the push rod 25. The push-rod nut 13 includes
plural coupling portions 13C to couple the nut inner portion 13A
and the nut outer portion 13B together. The coupling portions 13C
are inserted through insert molding holes 25A formed in the push
rod 25.
[0035] The nut inner portion 13A is formed in a circular tube
shape. An inner circumferential face of the nut inner portion 13A
is configured by a female threaded portion 13A1. The female
threaded portion 13A1 is formed with a thread that meshes with the
male threaded portion 12A of the threaded spindle 12. The push-rod
nut 13 and the threaded spindle 12 are screw together in this
manner.
[0036] The nut outer portion 13B is formed in a circular tube
shape. An outer circumferential portion of the nut outer portion
13B is provided with plural guide projections 13B1 projecting
toward the radial direction outside and extending along the axial
direction of the push rod 25. The guide projections 13B1 are
disposed at predetermined spacings around the circumferential
direction of the nut outer portion 13B. Namely, an outer
circumferential face of the nut outer portion 13B is formed with a
corrugated profile (spline shape) as viewed along the axial
direction of the push rod 25. Moreover, a leading end face of the
nut outer portion 13B configures an abutted face 13B2. The abutted
face 13B2 is disposed in a plane orthogonal to the axial direction
of the push rod 25.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the push-rod guide 19 is formed in
a circular tube shape from resin, and is disposed coaxially with
the push rod 25. Specifically, the push-rod guide 19 is disposed at
the radial direction outside of the push rod 25 and at the radial
direction. inside of the spring cover 29. One axial direction end
portion of the push-rod guide 19 is formed with a flange shape
projecting toward the radial direction outside, and is disposed
adjacent to the ball bearing 14 so as to be on the other axial
direction side thereof and fixed to the main housing 4 by laser
welding. As illustrated in 3, another axial direction end (a
leading end) of the push-rod guide 19 is disposed on the one axial
direction side (the base end side) of another axial direction end
(a leading end) of the threaded spindle 12. Namely, the other axial
direction end portion (the leading end portion) of the threaded
spindle 12 is disposed at a separation toward the other axial
direction end side with respect to (the leading end of) the
push-rod guide 19.
[0038] An inner circumferential face of the push-rod guide 19 is
formed with a corrugated profile corresponding to an outer
circumferential face of the push-rod nut 13 (the nut outer portion
13B). In other words, the inner circumferential face of the
push-rod guide 19 is provided with plural guide recesses 19A that
engage with the guide projections 13B1 and extend along the axial
direction. The outer circumferential face of the push-rod nut 13
(the nut outer portion 13B) is fitted (spline-fitted) together with
the inner circumferential face of the push-rod guide 19, such that
the push-rod nut 13 is not capable of rotating relative to the
push-rod guide 19 but is capable of moving (sliding) in the axial
direction relative to the push-rod guide 19. Namely, a clearance is
formed between the outer circumferential face of the push-rod nut
13 (the nut outer portion 13B) and the inner circumferential face
of the push-rod guide 19 so as to enable the push-rod nut 13 to
slide with respect to the push-rod guide 19. Accordingly, setting
is made such that when the threaded spindle 12 is rotated toward
the one side about its axis driven by the electric motor 8, the
push-rod nut 13 (the push rod 25) is guided by the push-rod guide
19 and moves toward the other axial direction side (the leading end
side, the arrow AL2 side in FIG. 3) from the contracted position so
as to be disposed at an extended position (the position illustrated
in FIG. 3). Setting is also made such that when the threaded
spindle 12 is rotated toward the other side about its axis, the
push-rod nut 13 (the push rod 25) is guided by the push-rod guide
19 and moves toward the one axial direction side (the base end
side, the arrow AL1 side in FIG. 3) from the extended position so
as to be disposed at the contracted position.
[0039] Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the assist spring 26
configured by a compression coil spring is provided at the radial
direction outside of the push-rod guide 19. The assist spring 26 is
housed inside the spring cover 29. In other words, the push-rod
guide 19 is disposed at the radial direction inside of the assist
spring 26. One end portion of the assist spring 26 is anchored to
the ball bearing 14 through a first spring rotation washer 27, and
another end portion of the assist spring 26 is anchored to the
other axial direction end portion (the leading end portion) of the
spring cover 29 through a second spring rotation washer 28. The
biasing force or the assist spring 26 accordingly acts on the push
rod 25 through the spring cover 29 and the ball socket push rod 30
so as to bias the push rod 25 toward e leading end side. Note that
the natural length of the assist spring 26 is set such that the
assist spring 26 is in a compression-deformed state even in a state
in which the spring cover 29 has reached the extended position.
[0040] Moreover, the spring constant of the assist spring 26 is set
such that when, in a non-operated state of the electric motor drive
mechanism 6, the rear door D has been placed at a partially open
position by a manual operation or the like, the rear door D is
maintained in the partially open state without opening as far as an
open position due to frictional force acting in a direction against
the assist spring 26 (for example, frictional force of a spindle
drive device, a transmission unit, or a brake device). However, the
force required to drive the electric motor drive mechanism 6 is a
comparatively small force due to the opening operation of the rear
door D being aided by the biasing force of the assist spring
26.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the other axial direction end
portion of the push-rod guide 19 is integrally formed with a
stopper 20. The stopper 20 projects toward the radial direction
inside of the push-rod guide 19, and is formed around the entire
circumferential direction of the push-rod guide 19. Namely, the
stopper 20 is formed in an annular shape (a ring shape), and is
provided integrally to the inner circumferential face of the
push-rod guide 19. The stopper 20 has a substantially rectangular
cross-section profile as viewed along the circumferential
direction, and a base end side (the arrow AL1 side) face of the
stopper 20 configures an abutting face 20A. Namely, the abutting
face 20A is disposed in a plane orthogonal to the axial direction
of the push-rod guide 19, and is disposed opposing the abutted face
13B2 of the push-rod nut 13 (the nut outer portion 13B) in the
axial direction. When the push-rod nut 13 moves toward the other
axial direction side and reaches the extended position by being
driven by the electric motor drive mechanism 6, the abutted face
13B2 of the push-rod nut 13 abuts the abutting face 20A of the
stopper 20 face-to-face, thereby limiting (restricting) movement of
the push-rod nut 13 (namely, the push rod 25) toward the other
axial direction side.
[0042] The spindle rotor 23 is made of resin, is formed in a
substantially circular tube shape, and is fixed to a leading end
portion of the threaded spindle 12 so as to be capable of rotating
as an integral unit therewith. The external diameter of the spindle
rotor 23 is set slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the
push rod 25, such that a clearance is formed between the spindle
rotor 23 and the push rod 25 that allows an outer circumferential
face of the spindle rotor 23 to rotate while sliding over the inner
circumferential face of the push rod 25. A leading end side of the
spindle rotor 23 is provided with an E-ring 24 that is anchored to
the threaded spindle 12. The spindle rotor 23 is prevented from
detaching from the leading end side of the threaded spindle 12 by
the E-ring 24.
[0043] The spindle rotor 23 is disposed so as to be located at a
separation from the stopper 20 toward the leading end side of the
threaded spindle 12. Specifically, when the push rod 25 is at the
extended position, the abutted face 13B2 of the push-rod nut 13 and
a base-end face 23A (an end face on the arrow AL1 side) of the
spindle rotor 23 are disposed with a predetermined separation
therebetween.
[0044] An X-ring 21 is provided at the radial direction outside of
the push rod 25 so as to be located on the opposite side of the
stopper 20 to the abutting face 20A (more specifically, between the
stopper 20 and the spindle rotor 23). The X-ring 21 is elastic and
is formed in a substantially annular shape (ring shape), and is
formed with an X-shaped cross-section profile as viewed along a
circumferential direction of the X-ring 21. The X-ring 21 is
disposed in a compression-deformed state between the outer
circumferential face of the push rod 25 and the inner
circumferential face of the push-rod guide 19. Namely, the X-ring
21 is disposed in a state making close contact with the outer
circumferential face of the push rod 25 and the inner
circumferential face of the push-rod guide 19. Together with the
spindle rotor 23, the X-ring 21 thereby suppresses rattling of the
push rod 25 in the radial direction. Note that a push rod retainer
22 is provided to the X-ring 21 so as to be located at the leading
end side of the push-rod guide 19. The push rod retainer 22 is a
member that prevents the X-ring 21 from detaching from the leading
end side of the push-rod guide 19.
[0045] Next, explanation follows regarding the first ball socket 2A
and the grommet 40, these being relevant portions of the present
invention.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6A, the first
ball socket 2A includes a cap 50 formed in a bottomed,
substantially circular tube shape. Specifically, the cap 50 is
configured including a lid portion 50A serving as a substantially
circular disc shaped "bottom portion" with a plate thickness
direction running in the axial direction of the main housing 4, and
a substantially circular tube shaped fitting tube portion 50B
projecting from an outer circumferential portion of the lid portion
50A toward the leading end side of the main housing 4. The external
diameter of the fitting tube portion 50B is set smaller than the
external diameter of the lid portion 50A, and is set substantially
the same as the internal diameter of the main housing 4. The
fitting tube portion 50B is fitted inside the one axial direction
end portion of the main housing 4, such that the one axial
direction end portion of the main housing 4 is closed off by the
lid portion 50A (see FIG. 5).
[0047] The first ball socket 2A is fixed (bonded) to the one axial
direction end portion of the main housing 4 by laser welding at the
location of the fitting tube portion 50B. The first ball socket 2A
is accordingly configured from a resin that has been colored black,
such that the laser employed when laser welding does not pass
through and as absorbed. An inner circumferential face of the main
housing 4 and an outer circumferential face of the fitting tube
portion 50B are joined together by laser welding to form a join
portion between the main housing 4 and the fitting tube portion 50B
around the entire circumferential direction of the main housing 4.
Namely, the main housing 4 and the fitting tube portion 50B are
joined together around the entire circumferential direction of the
main housing 4.
[0048] A step 51 that opens toward the radial direction outside and
leading end side of the fitting tube portion 50B is formed in an
outer circumferential portion of a leading end portion of the
fitting tube portion 50B. Namely, the leading end portion of the
fitting tube portion 50B is set with a smaller diameter than other
portions of the fitting tube portion 50B. This setting accordingly
means that in a joined state of the main housing 4 and the fitting
tube portion 50B there is a gap formed between the leading end
portion (the step 51) of the fitting tube portion 50B and the main
housing 4.
[0049] A socket 52 is formed projecting toward the opposite side of
the fitting tube portion 50B (toward the one axial direction side
of the main housing 4) to the lid portion 50A at a substantially
central portion of the lid portion 50. The lid portion 50A is also
formed with a harness insertion hole 53 passing through the lid
portion 50A, such that the inside and the outside of the cap 50 are
placed in communication with each other by the harness insertion
hole 53. The harness insertion hole 53 is inclined toward the
radial direction outside on progression toward the one axial
direction side, and the harness insertion hole 53 and the socket 52
are disposed such that they do not impinge on each other. A harness
H that is connected to the motor terminal of the electric motor 8
is disposed inside the harness insertion hole 53 such that the
harness H is led out.
[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6B, the grommet
40 is configured from an elastic material such as rubber. The
grommet 40 configures a substantially elongated hollow structure,
and extends from the harness insertion hole 53 in the first ball
socket 2A toward the outside along the penetration direction of the
harness insertion hole 53. The grommet 40 is thereby disposed
inclined toward the radial direction outside on progression from
the first ball socket 2A toward the one axial direction side of the
door opening/closing apparatus 1, and is disposed so as not to
impinge on the socket 52. The grommet 40 as configured including a
harness cover portion 41 serving as a "cover portion", a coupling
tube portion 42, the boot portion 44, a retainer portion 45, and a
packing portion 46.
[0051] The harness cover portion 41 configures a length direction
intermediate portion of the grommet 40, and is formed in a
substantially circular tube shape. The harness H that has been led
out through the harness insertion hole 53 is disposed inside the
harness cover portion 41 (see FIG. 5). An outer circumferential
portion of the harness cover portion 41 is formed with a concertina
profile so as to be capable of extending and contracting within a
predetermined range in the length direction of the harness cover
portion 41 (in FIG. 6B, the outer circumferential portion of the
harness cover portion 41 is simplified for convenience).
[0052] An end portion on the first ball socket 2A side of the
harness cover portion 41 is connected to the substantially circular
tube shaped coupling tube portion 42. The external diameter
dimension of the coupling tube portion 42 is set substantially the
same as the internal diameter dimension of the harness insertion
hole 53, and the coupling tube portion 42 is fitted into the
harness insertion hole 53. A flange 42A is integrally formed to an
outer circumferential portion of the coupling tube portion 42 so as
to project toward the radial direction outside. The flange 42A is
disposed so as to block off an opening on the outside of the
harness insertion hole 53 (on an outer peripheral face side of the
cap 50) (see FIG. 5).
[0053] An end portion of the harness cover portion 41 on the
opposite side to the first ball socket 2A is integrally formed with
a grommet portion 43. The grommet portion 43 is attached to, for
example, the body B or the door opening B1 of the vehicle V. Note
that the harness H is provided with an external connector, not
illustrated in the drawings, and is connected to an internal
connector, not illustrated in the drawings, inside the vehicle
V.
[0054] The boot portion 44 is disposed inside the cap 50 (at the
radial direction inside of the fitting tube portion 50B), and is
formed in a bottomed, substantially circular tube shape that opens
toward the leading end side of the main housing 4, similarly to the
cap 50. The boot portion 44 is set with a shape corresponding to an
inner circumferential face of the cap 50, and the boot portion 44
is disposed so as to follow the inner circumferential face of the
cap 50. The external diameter of the boot portion 44 is thus set so
as to be much larger than the internal diameter of the harness
insertion hole 53. An end portion of the coupling tube portion 42
is connected to a bottom wall of the boot portion 44, and the
inside of the boot portion 44 and the inside of the harness cover
portion 41 are placed in communication with each other through the
coupling tube portion 42. Namely, the harness H that has been led
out from the electric motor 8 is covered by the boot portion 44,
and is inserted into the coupling tube portion 42.
[0055] The retainer portion 45 extends from a leading end portion
(opening end portion) of the boot portion 44 toward the radial
direction outside, and is disposed adjacent to a leading end face
(opening end face) of the fitting tube portion 50B of the cap 50.
Namely, the retainer portion 45 is formed 11 a substantially
annular plate shape (ring shape) with a plate thickness direction
running along the axial direction of the boot portion 44. The
retainer portion 45 is disposed in a state sandwiched between the
motor retainer 10 and the first ball socket 2A (the fitting tube
portion 50B).
[0056] The packing portion 46 extends from a radial direction
outside end portion of the retainer portion 45 toward the bottom
wall side of the boot portion 44, and is disposed in the step 51 of
the cap 50 (the fitting tube portion 50B) described above. In other
words, the packing portion 46 is configured so as to encircle a
leading end portion of the cap 50 (the fitting tube portion 50B)
from the radial direction outside. A folded-back flange portion is
accordingly formed by the retainer portion 45 and the packing
portion 46 at the radial direction outside of the opening end
portion of the boot portion 44. The flange portion configures a
detachment prevention section 47. Namely, the leading end portion
of the cap 50 (the fitting tube portion 50B) is covered by the
detachment prevention section 47. Thus, if the boot portion 44
attempts to move toward the one axial direction side, the
detachment prevention section 47 engages with the leading end
portion of the cap 50 (the fitting tube portion 50B) so as to limit
the movement of the boot portion 44 toward the one axial direction
side. Namely, the detachment prevention section 47 is configured to
prevent or suppress the boot portion 44 from being pulled out
through the harness insertion hole 53 in the first ball socket
2A.
[0057] The thickness of the packing portion 46 is set so as to fill
the gap between the main housing 4 and the step 51 in a state in
which the packing portion 46 is disposed in the step 51. Namely,
the thickness of the packing portion 46 is set such that the
packing portion 46 is sandwiched between the main housing 4 and the
step 51. Moreover, a sealing projection 46A (see the enlarged
partial view of FIG. 4) is integrally formed to a radial direction
outside face of the packing portion 46 so as to project toward the
radial direction outside. The sealing projection 46A is formed
around the entire circumferential direction of the packing portion
46. In a state in which the packing portion 46 is disposed in the
step 51, the sealing projection 46A is pressed by the inner
circumferential face of the main housing 4 so as to be deformed in
compression. In this manner, the sealing projection 46A raises the
closeness of contact between the main housing 4 and the packing
portion 46, and between the step 51 and the packing portion 46.
Operation and Advantageous Effects
[0058] Next, explanation follows regarding operation and
advantageous effects of the present exemplary embodiment, with
reference to operation of the door opening/closing apparatus 1, and
a procedure for assembly of the first ball socket 2A and the
grommet 40 to the main housing 4.
[0059] Operation of Door Opening/Closing Apparatus
[0060] Explanation follows regarding operation of the door
opening/closing apparatus 1. For the door opening/closing apparatus
1, the state illustrated in FIG. 2 is a state in which the door
opening/closing apparatus 1 in the initial state, and the door
opening/closing apparatus 1 is disposed at the contracted position
(the initial position). When the door opening/closing apparatus 1
is at the contracted position (the initial position), the rear door
D of the vehicle V is closed, and the assist spring 26 is subject
to the maximum prestress (compression stress).
[0061] When opening the rear door D of the vehicle V, the electric
motor drive mechanism 6 is actuated (operated) using a door switch
or the like, not illustrated in the drawings, so as to drive
rotation of the threaded spindle 12. Specifically, when the
threaded spindle 12 rotates toward the one side about its own axis
driven by the electric motor 8, the push-rod nut 13 meshed with the
male threaded portion 12A of the threaded spindle 12 moves toward
the leading end side following the guide recesses 19A in the
push-rod guide 19. Accordingly, the push rod 25 and the spring
cover 29 move, together with the push-rod nut 13, toward the
leading end side of the push-rod guide 19. Namely, the spring cover
29 extends from the main housing 4 so as to increase the overall
length of the door opening/closing apparatus 1.
[0062] When this is performed, the assist spring 26 aids (assists)
driving to open the rear door D by biasing the spring cover 29
toward the other axial direction side (the leading end side). The
operation to open the rear door D to the open position is continued
until the rear door D is determined to have reached the open
position based on the number of revolutions of the electric motor
drive mechanism 6, or on position as detected using a stroke sensor
such as a Hall sensor or a limit switch. The operation of the
electric motor drive mechanism 6 is stopped at this point. When the
spring cover 29 extends from the main housing 4, the spring cover
29 is positioned so as to surround the periphery of the assist
spring 26, thereby preventing radial direction buckling of the
assist spring 26.
[0063] When closing the rear door D from the open position, the
electric motor drive mechanism 6 is actuated (operated) to drive
rotation of the threaded spindle 12. Specifically, when the
threaded spindle 12 is rotated toward the other side about its own
axis by being driven by the electric motor 8, the push-rod nut 13
meshed with the male threaded portion 12A of the threaded spindle
12 moves toward the base end side following the guide recesses 19A
in the push-rod guide 19. Accordingly, the push rod 25 and the
spring cover 29 move toward the base end side of the push-rod guide
19 together with the push-rod nut 13. Namely, the spring cover 29
retracts into the main housing 4 so as to shorten the overall
length of the door opening/closing apparatus 1.
[0064] The movement amount of the rear door D to a closed position
is determined based on the number of revolutions of the electric
motor 8 of the electric motor drive mechanism 6, or is identified
by detecting position using a stroke sensor such as a Hall sensor
or limit switch. The operation to close the rear door D to the
closed position is continued until operation of the electric motor
drive mechanism 6 is stopped based on the identified movement
amount.
[0065] Procedure for Assembling First Ball Socket and Grommet to
Main Housing
[0066] In the procedure for assembling the first ball socket 2A and
the grommet 40 to the main housing 4, first, the grommet 40 is
assembled to the first ball socket 2A. Specifically, the boot
portion 44 of the grommet 40 is elastically deformed and inserted
into the harness insertion hole 53 in the first ball socket 2A from
the outside of the cap 50 (see the arrow in FIG. 4). After
inserting the boot portion 44 into the cap 50, the boot portion 44
is arranged so as, to be disposed along the inner circumferential
face of the cap 50, and to mount the detachment prevention section
47 (the packing portion 46 and the retainer portion 45) so as to
cover the leading end portion of the fitting tube portion 50B of
the cap 50. The packing portion 46 is thereby disposed in the step
51 of the fitting tube portion 50B, and the grommet 40 is assembled
as an integral unit with the first ball socket 2A.
[0067] After assembling the grommet 40 to the first ball socket 2A,
the harness H is inserted through the inside of the grommet 40. The
electric motor 8 is then disposed at the leading end side of the
first ball socket 2A, the motor retainer 10 is disposed between the
electric motor 8 and the first ball socket 2A, and the harness H is
inserted through the inside of the motor retainer 10. The harness H
is connected to the motor terminal of the electric motor 8 by
soldering while in this state. The motor retainer 10 is then
mounted to an end portion of the electric motor 8, and the position
of the harness H is adjusted such that the motor retainer 10 is
clamped between the electric motor 8 and the first ball socket 2A.
The first ball socket 2A and the grommet 40 are thus integrated
with the electric motor 8 as a motor-harness assembly.
[0068] Then, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the motor-harness assembly
is inserted into the main housing 4 from the one axial direction
side and assembled to the main housing 4. Specifically, the fitting
tube portion 50B of the first ball socket 2A is fitted into an
opening end portion of the main housing 4 while the sealing
projection 46A of the grommet 40 is pressed toward the radial
direction inside by the inner circumferential face of the main
housing 4, and the opening end of the main housing 4 is closed off
by the lid portion 50A of the first ball socket 2A.
[0069] A laser is then shone onto the main housing 4 from the
radial direction outside at the outer circumferential face of a
fitting portion of the main housing 4 that fits to the fitting tube
portion 50B (more specifically, the location illustrated by white
triangles in FIG. 5), and the main housing 4 and the fitting tube
portion 50B are joined around the entire circumferential direction
of the main housing 4. Specifically, the laser passes through the
main housing 4 and reaches the outer circumferential face of the
fitting tube portion 50B, where the laser is absorbed by the
fitting tube portion 50B so as to generate heat and melt the
fitting tube portion 50B. The heat generated at the fitting tube
portion 50B is also transmitted to the main housing 4 so as to
generate heat and melt the main housing 4. The fitting tube portion
50B and the main housing 4 are thus joined at this melted portion.
The first ball socket 2A is bonded to the main housing 4 as a
result, thereby assembling the motor-harness assembly to the main
housing 4.
[0070] Note that in the door opening/closing apparatus 1, the
grommet 40 includes the boot portion 44 that has a bottomed-tube
shape. The boot portion 44 is disposed inside the cap 50 of the
first ball socket 2A, and is coupled to the harness cover portion
41 of the grommet 40 by the coupling tube portion 42. Moreover, the
leading end portion (opening end portion) of the boot portion 44 is
formed with the detachment prevention section 47 configured by the
retainer portion 45 and the packing portion 46. The detachment
prevention section 47 is folded back on itself at the radial
direction outside of the boot portion 44 so as to cover the leading
end portion of the fitting tube portion 50B of the cap 50.
Accordingly, if the boot portion 44 attempts to move toward the one
axial direction side, the detachment prevention section 47 engages
with the leading end portion of the fitting tube portion 50B,
thereby limiting the movement of the boot portion 44 toward the one
axial direction side. As a result, for example, the boot portion 44
can be prevented or suppressed from being pulled out through the
harness insertion hole 53 even if the grommet 40 is pulled toward
the grommet portion 43 side during assembly of the door
opening/closing apparatus 1 to the vehicle V. The grommet 40 can
accordingly be prevented or suppressed from detaching from the
first ball socket 2A.
[0071] Moreover, the packing portion 46 configuring the detachment
prevention section 47 is disposed in the step 51 of the first ball
socket 2A in a state sandwiched between the main housing 4 and the
first bail socket 2A (the fitting tube portion 50B). This enables
the detachment prevention effect of the detachment prevention
section 47 on the grommet 40 to be further improved.
[0072] Moreover, since the packing portion 46 is in a state
sandwiched between the main housing 4 and the fitting tube portion
50B of the first ball socket 2A, the packing portion 46 functions
as a sealing member that seals between the main housing 4 and the
fitting tube portion 50B. This enables the closeness of contact
between the main housing 4 and the first ball socket 2A to be
improved, and enables the airtight properties inside the main
housing 4 to be improved. This enables liquid such as water to be
suppressed or prevented from intruding into the main housing 4,
even if liquid were to intrude between the main housing 4 and the
first ball socket 2A.
[0073] As described above, the detachment prevention section 47
configured by the retainer portion 45 and the packing portion 46 is
formed in the folded-back flange shape. Amaze-like structure (what
is referred to as labyrinth structure) is thus formed between the
leading end portion of the fitting tube portion 50B, the detachment
prevention section 47, and the boot portion 44. Accordingly, even
supposing a liquid such as water were to intrude between the
harness insertion hole 53 of the first ball socket 2A and the
coupling tube portion 42 of the grommet 40, the liquid can be
suppressed from passing between the leading end portion of the
fitting tube portion 50B, the detachment prevention section 47, and
the boot portion 44 and thereby intruding into the main housing 4.
This enables the waterproofing performance of the electric motor 8
to be further improved.
[0074] Moreover, the retainer portion 45 configuring the detachment
prevention section 47 is disposed in a state sandwiched between.
the leading end portion of the fitting tube portion 50B and the
motor retainer 10. This enables the detachment prevention effect of
the detachment prevention section 47 to be even further improved.
Moreover, since the grommet 40 is configured by an elastic member,
vibration of the electric motor 8 can be absorbed by the retainer
portion 45, and vibration of the electric motor 8 can be suppressed
from being transmitted to the main housing 4.
[0075] Moreover, the fitting tube portion 50B of the first ball
socket 2A and the main housing 4 are joined together by laser
welding, and the join portion between the two is formed around the
entire circumferential direction of the main housing 4.
Accordingly, for example, the join strength between the main
housing 4 and the first ball socket 2A can be raised in comparison
to a comparative example in which a notch opening toward the
leading end side of the fitting tube portion 50B is provided in an
outer circumferential portion of the fitting tube portion 50B so as
to place the outer circumferential portion of the fitting tube
portion 50B in communication with the harness insertion hole 53,
and in which the coupling tube portion 42 of the grommet 40 is
inserted through the notch so as to mount the grommet 40 to the
first ball socket 2A. Namely, in the comparative example, due to
forming the notch in the fitting tube portion 50B, the join portion
between the main housing 4 and the first ball socket 2A (the
fitting tube portion 50B) is discontinuous in the circumferential
direction of the main housing 4, such that the two cannot be welded
together around the entire circumferential direction of the main
housing 4. By contrast, in the present exemplary embodiment as
described above, the join portion between the fitting tube portion
50B of the first ball socket 2A and the main housing 4 is formed
around the entire circumferential direction of the main housing 4,
enabling the join strength between the main housing 4 and the first
ball socket 2A to be raised in comparison to the comparative
example. Moreover, disposing the boot portion 44 inside the cap 50
enables the detachment prevention section 47 to be formed to the
boot portion 44, while also enabling laser welding of the fitting
tube portion 50B and the main housing 4 to be performed.
[0076] The sealing projection 46A projecting toward the radial
direction outside is integrally formed to the radial direction
outside face of the packing portion 46 of the grommet 40. The
sealing projection 46A is deformed in compression due to being
pressed by the main housing 4. This enables the closeness of
contact between the main housing 4 and the packing portion 46, and
the closeness of contact between the fitting tube portion 50B (the
cap 50) and the packing portion 46, to be improved by the sealing
projection 46A. As a result, the detachment prevention effect of
the detachment prevention section 47 on the boot portion 44 can be
effectively improved, and the sealing properties between the main
housing 4 and the cap 50 (the first ball socket 2A) can also be
effectively improved.
[0077] Note that although in the present exemplary embodiment the
detachment prevention section 47 of the grommet 40 is configured by
the retainer portion 45 and the packing portion 46, the
configuration of the detachment prevention section. 47 is not
limited thereto. For example, a projection may be provided to an
opening end face (a leading end face) of the cap 50, and a hole may
be provided in the retainer portion 45 for insertion of this
projection, such that the projection and the hole engage with each
other. In such cases, the packing portion 46 of the detachment
prevention section 47 may be omitted and a separate sealing member
provided between the main housing 4 and the cap 50.
[0078] Moreover, although in the present exemplary embodiment, the
laser transmissivity of the first ball socket 2A and the main
housing 4 is not particularly specified, the transmissivity with
respect to the laser employed may be set at any setting such that
the first ball socket 2A and the main housing 4 can be welded
together during laser welding.
[0079] Detailed explanation has been given regarding an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.
However, specific configurations are not limited to those of the
exemplary embodiment, and include other designs and the like within
a range not departing from the spirit of the present invention.
EXPLANATION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0080] 1 door opening/closing apparatus 1
[0081] 2 first inclined connection portion
[0082] 2A first ball socket
[0083] 3 second inclined connection portion
[0084] 3A second ball socket
[0085] 4 main housing (first housing)
[0086] 4A internal wall
[0087] 5 electric motor drive mechanism
[0088] 8 electric motor
[0089] 8A motor body
[0090] 8B rotation shaft
[0091] 9 transmission mechanism
[0092] 10 motor retainer
[0093] 11 spindle drive mechanism
[0094] 12 threaded spindle
[0095] 12A male threaded portion
[0096] 13 push-rod nut
[0097] 13A nut inner portion
[0098] 13A1 female threaded portion
[0099] 13B nut outer portion (outer edge portion)
[0100] 13B1 guide projection
[0101] 13B2 abutted face
[0102] 13C coupling portion
[0103] 14 ball bearing
[0104] 19 push-rod guide
[0105] 19A guide recess
[0106] 20 stopper
[0107] 20A abutting face
[0108] 21 X-ring
[0109] 22 push rod retainer
[0110] 23 spindle rotor
[0111] 23A base-end face
[0112] 24 E-ring
[0113] 25 push rod
[0114] 25A insert molding hole
[0115] 26 assist spring
[0116] 27 first spring rotation washer
[0117] 28 second spring rotation washer
[0118] 29 spring cover (second housing)
[0119] 30 ball socket push rod
[0120] 40 grommet
[0121] 41 harness cover portion (cover portion)
[0122] 42 coupling tube portion
[0123] 42A flange
[0124] 43 grommet portion
[0125] 44 boot portion
[0126] 45 retainer portion
[0127] 46 packing portion
[0128] 46A sealing projection
[0129] 47 detachment prevention section
[0130] 50 cap
[0131] 50A lid portion (bottom portion)
[0132] 50B fitting tube portion
[0133] 51 step
[0134] 52 socket
[0135] 53 harness insertion hole
[0136] B body
[0137] B1 door opening
[0138] D rear door
[0139] H harness
[0140] V vehicle
* * * * *